Arras — who has been CEO since 2007 when investment firm Sun Capital Partners Inc. of Boca Raton, Fla., bought the Golden-based chain from McDonald’s Corp. — has resigned “to pursue other interests,” the company said in a statement.

Cardwell assumes the CEO position immediately.

The company described Cardwell as a 30-year restaurant industry veteran.

He served for several months earlier this year as interim CEO of Famous Dave’s of America Inc., the Eden Prairie, Minn.-based barbecue chain, and also has been on its board.

Cardwell formerly served as chief administrative officer and then CEO of Dallas-based Eatzi’s Market and Bakery, a unit of Brinker International, and was an executive with S&A Restaurant Corp.

He has been on several corporate boards, including those of P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Taco Bueno, Fishbowl Marketing and Order Corner.

“I am enthusiastic about joining Boston Market and believe the company has strong potential to expand its market position in the fast-casual category by offering our customers an even better experience,” Cardwell said in a statement Friday. “I look forward to working closely with Boston Market’s management and associates to achieve this goal.”

McDonald’s bought the previously independent Boston Market — formerly known as Boston Chicken — in 2000, paying $173.5 million. The company was founded in Massachusetts in 1985 and moved to Golden in 1994.